JUVENILE COUNSELOR 1, LEAD

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to lead the work of assigned entry-level professional staff; to provide case consultation for social casework in assessing, investigating, counseling, placing and supervising potential, alleged or adjudicated juvenile offenders; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Juvenile Department provides counseling, detention, investigation, and administrative support services to youth whose conduct or circumstances bring them within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.

The Juvenile Counselor 1, Lead has operational and lead responsibilities for assigned Juvenile Counselor 1 and other entry-level professional staff during evening and weekend shift work in the Intake and Assessment Center, in the absence of the Juvenile Department Supervisor. This position leads the work of assigned staff by managing and leading their caseloads, participating in new policy and procedure development and implementation, and supporting organizational operations, when the Juvenile Department Supervisor is not onsite.

The Juvenile Counselor 1, Lead differs from the Juvenile Counselor 1 and Juvenile Counselor 2 classifications by having the lead work responsibilities that include coaching, training and orienting staff, while carrying the Juvenile Counselor 1 level caseload.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Leads the work of assigned staff; reviews work, trains and provides direction to Juvenile Counselors 1 and other entry-level staff on technical or procedural issues.

Provides case management and services by reviewing case intake notes, transfers, closings and field activity reports for accuracy and providing feedback and making recommendations to staff; ensures assigned staff carries out case work according to the developed plans.

Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures; reviews and updates current policies and procedures; assists the Juvenile Department Supervisor with development and implementation of new procedures; participates in evaluation of existing procedures and makes recommendations for improvements.

Takes custody of youth brought in by law enforcement; gathers and compiles information from youth, parent and other agencies; develops comprehensive plan for the youth focusing on community safety and immediate needs of the youth.

Initiates contact with juveniles referred to the Intake and Assessment center and the department via police reports; interviews juveniles and their families to gather social history; works with and supports juveniles to establish and achieve their personal goals and plans; implements and revises case plans as necessary; and maintains accurate records and prepares written reports.

Utilizes a variety of screening tools to assess the youth’s physical health, substance use history, mental health status and history of violence; makes referrals to appropriate community agencies.

Prepares intake reports, summarizing the information compiled and outlining the plan for the youth; finger prints and photographs based on statute.

Coordinates with Victim Coordinator (Human Services Coordinator 1) to determine alleged restitution if any to be paid by juveniles; documents statements and/or requests from victims.

Serves and participates on community committees, speaks and gives presentation to civic groups on juvenile department programs and activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Basic Knowledge of: Criminal law; juvenile law; juvenile court policies and procedures; Intake and Assessment Center systems; rules and regulations regarding juvenile detention and probation; behavior and adjustment problems of juvenile offenders and methods of treatment; symptoms of physical and mental disorder, substance abuse or deficiencies; conflict management tools and methods; case management; principles and practices of psychology as they relate to child and adolescent development and family structures; community resources and facilities available for the diagnosis and treatment of the maladjusted child/adolescent; methods and techniques used in individual and family counseling; Microsoft Office applications and Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS); basic principles and techniques of supervision, leading work, training, developing and recommending improvement for staff, and participative management techniques.

Skill to: Lead the work of assigned staff, including coaching, mentoring and helping to move toward each program’s vision and attain goals; plan, develop and implement new procedures; research and provide recommendations for improvements of existing policies and procedures; apply effective conflict management tools and methods; assess the needs of juveniles and provide appropriate treatment plans; maintain discipline and orderly conduct; respond effectively in situations with individuals who may be hostile and aggressive or have emotional disorders; analyze and resolve problems; accept and provide constructive feedback; understand and apply state laws, rules and regulations and department policies and procedures and make appropriate recommendations; interpret policies and develop corresponding procedures; maintain accurate case or program records and prepare court reports or legal documents; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with juveniles and their families, court and law enforcement personnel, child caring agencies, peers, support staff, management team and the public.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

May be required to participate in 24 hours/day emergency program services.

Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation including national fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.